Who can appeal the final suitability decision?

• A. The agency and the subject
• B. The subject only
• C. OPM only
• D. The public

Answer: (B)

Appeal rights in a final suitability decision hinge on who is affected by the decision. The person who is the subject of the decision—the individual whose suitability is in question—has the standing to challenge it. The agency that made the determination does not appeal its own decision, because the appeal process is designed for the person affected to seek relief or review. OPM’s role is to administer the process, not to file appeals on behalf of the agency, and the public generally has no standing to challenge an individual’s personnel decision. When an appeal is pursued, it’s brought by the subject through the designated appellate channel within the applicable time limits.